In The 19th Century Essay, Research Paper
Family is one of the oldest and most common human institutions. Since prehistoric times, the family has been an important organisation in society. Most people grow up in a family and as adults, establish a family of their own. One main type of family is known as a nuclear family. A nuclear family is made up when a couple have children, the parents and their children make up a nuclear family, in another words. There are many different definitions of what a family is. For example, Giddens defines a family as, ?A small group of closely related people who share a distinct identify and responsibility for each other that outweighs commitments to others. This group is commonly, but no necessarily, based on marriage, biological descent or adoption.? Many sociologists have accepted to regard Giddens definition as accurate but too basic for a modern society. For example, he does not mention facts as homosexual marriage and common residence. Murdock takes Giddens definitions further and defines the family as, ?A social group characterised by common residence, economic co-operation and reproduction. It includes adults of both sexes, at least two of whom maintain a socially approved sexual relationship, and one or more children, own or adopted, of sexually cohabiting adults.? With respect to functionalism, Marxism, rich and poor, the changes that have taken place since the 19th century will be analysed. The growing importance of women in modern society will also be discussed.
Friedrich Engels, a Marxist, has influenced the way we look at a family. He believed that thousands of years ago the means of production were communally owned and the family as such did not exist. The nuclear family developed with the emergence of private property, which was all owned by males. In return, men needed to have legitimate heirs. So, men needed control of the women to produce these ?real? offspring (whom usually hoped were sons to carry on the family name). Eli Zaretsky has also analysed the family from a Marxist perspective. He argues that the family was very much connected with the economy before the industrial revolution when work was mainly done in the home. With the start of the industrial revolution in the late 18th century and early 19th century, work grew out of the home and into the factories. As Western nations became increasingly industrialized, many rural people moved to the cities to seek factory work. Family life in the city differed from that in rural areas because people had to leave home each day to work. Commonly, the mother and children also held a job to help support the family. Family members had little time together, and the home became less central to family life. Hospitals, schools (lots of children were taught at home previously), and other social institutions took over many family functions. In addition, families could look to police and fire departments to help protect their lives and property. In a sense, the industrial revolution destroyed the family because most of the time was spent at work.
Women?s status in the family has changed dramatically since the 19th century. Women have usually had fewer rights and a lower social status than men, throughout history. For example, women did not have the right to institute divorce proceedings and own property. The traditional role of the married woman was being a housewife, and most women’s lives centered around their households. Women’s movements first developed during the 1800’s in the United States and Europe and then spread to other parts of the world. The first women’s movements arose largely in response to the coming of modern urban and industrial society.
The industrial age brought about great economic and political changes, creating chaos in women’s traditional roles and causing women to question their status and situation. This first wave of women’s movements concentrated primarily on gaining voting rights for women . In modern times, since women have more rights than last century, feminists have managed to bring out the ?dark side? of the family such as domestic violence. Unlike last century, men can now get charged for abusing women. Many people believe that domestic abuse is on the rise but many believe it is not the case. The fact is that it is just now more ?out in the open,? and not hidden behind closed doors like before. Women are now playing a very large role in the labour force, unlike in the past. Currently there are 11.4 million women working in Britain. The role of the woman as a housewife has seemed to be slowly disappearing, as well as the role of the male of the family being the sole breadwinner. Women nowadays tend to leave their offspring more often in daycares and babysitters than before. In many cases it is very common for children to come home from school and spend many hours alone, until their parents come home from work. Family values may break down, as children do not get the care they need from their parents. Fortunately, fathers are taking a bigger role in taking care of children, than before, although it is very rare to see fathers to take primary responsibility for childcare. Mary Boulton studied 50 young married mothers in London, who did not have full-time jobs. Only 18% of husbands gave extensive help with childcare, while 36% gave moderate help and 46% minimal help.
One major rise of family breakdown is divorces, which have steadily risen since the 1970s. Divorce is the legal termination of a marriage. In the 19th century, divorce, for the most part was unheard of. In 1911 there were 859 petitions for divorce in England and Wales. In 1971, there was new divorce legislation, making it easier to get a divorce. In 1996, there were 351,514 marriages but 157,588 divorces, constituting as more than half as many divorces as marriages . There has also been a rise in the number of people marrying again after a divorce. For example, in 1961, 15% of all marriages in the UK were remarriages. By 1996, the figure stood at 41%. Also, more than before, there are more single mothers. This may be blamed in part for unwanted pregnancies and sex before marriage (the man may leave the woman if she is pregnant). One aspect of modern society that was unheard of in the 19th century is gay marriages.
Until 1967, homosexuality was illegal. Nowadays, it has arguably become ?normal? and homosexuality part of society. During the 19th century, homosexuality was kept ?behind closed doors? as it was not as accepted as it is today. Some countries grant long-term gay partnerships the same legal rights as marriage but it is not the case in the UK. By the late 1980s between 6 and 14 million children were being brought up in gay and lesbian families . Research indicates that gay and lesbian relationships are at least as suitable for raising children as heterosexual marriages.
All in all, there have been many changes since the 19th century on how the family is structured. Most people would argue that changes that have taken place are positive, on the most part. For example, women have gained more rights including the easier right to divorce. Also, homosexual marriages, although illegal, are starting to become part of society and are more accepted. Hopefully in the future more positive changes will take place, including less divorce rates which tend to break up families.
Другие работы по теме:
Family relations
The word "family" is connected with warm relations between members. Family relations. Both the husband and the wife create their future together. Children should love and respect the parents. A family role in children's formation of individuality.
Family Life Cycle Essay Research Paper There
Family Life Cycle Essay, Research Paper There are several ways in which the family life cycle can be analyzed in comparison to the definition of the family. They can be static, focusing on structures for instance, role relations or they can capture dynamic processes; how role relationships between husband and wife or parent and child change over time and how they are related to socio-cultural changes.
Work Ethic Essay Research Paper In todays
Work Ethic Essay, Research Paper In today?s society I believe we have lost the traditional work ethic of long ago. Being brought up in a traditional family and around a population mainly comprised of Amish, I have come to understand the work ethic that America has lost. Amish are people who lead a simple religious life unaffected by automobiles, electricity, modern appliances, or other modern convinces.
Little Women By Louisa May Alcott 18321888
) Essay, Research Paper Louisa May Alcott’s most famous novel, Little Women is based on her own family life in Concord, Massachusetts. Like Jo, the book’s heroine, Louisa hungered to gain independence and to
A River Runs Through It
– An Essay For, Essay, Research Paper A River Runs Through IT This family is strong and close. The sense of interdependence is very great in this family. One member’s feelings affect the rest. For example, when Norman was frustratated with his father’s teachings early in the movie, Paul felt this because he wanted to go fishing with his brother, but could not because Norman had not finished his work for the day.
Fifth Child Essay Research Paper The Fifth
Fifth Child Essay, Research Paper ?The Fifth Child? In ?The Fifth Child,? Lessing contrasts society?s idea of an ?ideal? family to the ?real? dysfunctional family in our everyday lives. Harriet and David?s dream was to have the ?ideal? family. They made the mistake of setting standards too high for themselves and putting a front of an ideal family, which was just a cover for the real dysfunctional one.
Modern Americans Vs Puritans Essay Research Paper
Are We or Are We Not? Are we or are we not? That is the question. Does the current generation of Americans have the same values and morals of the Puritans of the 1600 s? Some would say yes and others would say no. This paper will show both sides of the argument. It will discuss whether or not we share the values of self-reliance and honesty like the Puritans treasured.
Rain Of Gold 2 Essay Research Paper
Family Struggles The desperation and lack of opportunity caused by poverty forced Juan and his Family into another direction. At an early point of Juan s life he and his family decided to
The Changing American Family Essay Research Paper
The family is important to people all over the world although the structure of the family is quite different from one country to another. In the united States, as in many countries in the world, the family is changing. A generation or two ago, the traditional family, in which the father was boss, was customrary.
Theme In A Raison In The Sun
Essay, Research Paper Theme in the A Raisin in the Sun There are many themes in A Raisin in the Sun. The this play was written by, an African American, Lorraine Hansberry. The three themes
Family Ties John Steinbeck
’s The Grapes Of Wrath Essay, Research Paper In John Steinbeck?s The Grapes of Wrath, the most important elements are family structure and the family?s connection to the land. The Joad family must stay together for support and happiness. They also have a strong tie to their homeland that affects every aspect of their lives.
Modern Day Families Essay Research Paper Modern
Modern Day Families Essay, Research Paper Modern Day Families Modern families, while they may contain a different amount of members, or members of a different race, than the stereotypical family, are still an amalgamated unit and have the same love for one another no matter how many people, or of what race certain people are, are in it.
How Does Jack Become More And More
Embroiled Essay, Research Paper Jack, influenced by his family, is becoming more and more like his family. His family is corrupted and when they lead Jack into their problems, Jack, as principled but also corruptible, is gradually led into the world of corruption. Samantha. She steals and she thinks its all right as long as her family members do it, it?s okay.
Violence In Media Essay Research Paper 1From
Violence In Media Essay, Research Paper 1.From developing the family tree of the three generations I learned a lot about them. My parents were the source of this information about the three generations. I
The Meaning Of Famly Essay Research Paper
The word ?family? can be defined in a number of ways. Some people believe that family is all of the people that are related to you genetically. Other people believe that family is all of the people that share your religion. In this essay, I will be explaining what I believe is the meaning of family.
SelfDescription Essay Research Paper I come from
Self-Description Essay, Research Paper I come from a very traditional Vietnamese family, where culture is greatly stressed in the household. Growing up, I was taught to follow this culture, I followed it because it was the first thing I learned. Respect, morality, and maintaining a good reputation for the family are some of the most important practices of my culture.
Dysfunctional Family Essay Research Paper FamilyWhat is
Dysfunctional Family Essay, Research Paper Family What is a dysfunctional family? According to Webster Dictionary dysfuntional means “abnormal” (Webster’s Dictionary 66), while the word Family means “related group of people.” So if you put both definitions together you get an “abnormal related group of people.” To many people in the US think that a dysfuntional family is a bunch of deranged psychos, I should know I was one of them.
Family Diversity Essay Research Paper In modern
Family Diversity Essay, Research Paper In modern Britain post WW2, the amount of the diverse families has grown due to changes over time. The invention of the pill, allowing both men and women to file for divorce without having to prove adultery and even religion not playing such an important part in peoples lives meant that changes in the family structure became more acceptable.
Was MacDuff Right To Leave His Family
? Essay, Research Paper By leaving his family and going to England, MacDuff prioritized his country over his family. As a result of this, his family was left unprotected and MacBeth killed his wife and children. Although MacDuff had no real way of (absolutely) knowing ahead of time that MacBeth was setting out to harm him and the ones he loved, MacDuff should not have left his family in such a vulnerable position and situation.
Book That Night Essay Research Paper There
Book That Night Essay, Research Paper There are many differences between the 1990 s and the 1960 s. Many of these comparisons can be found in the 1960 s based book That night , and a modern day high school. In the 1960 s the average family ate together, relaxed together, watched television together, and most importantly the average family of the 1960 s stayed together.
Voting Essay Research Paper Voting
Voting Essay, Research Paper Voting Everyone in my family who is old enough to vote, registers, and takes a privilege in voting, and knowing that their voice counts. That is why everyone
Mildred Taylor
’s “Roll Of Thunder Hear My Cry”: Hardships Of The Logan Family Essay, Research Paper Mildred Taylor’s “Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry”: Hardships of The Logan Family
Family Essay Research Paper FAMILYI cannot imagine
Family Essay, Research Paper FAMILY I cannot imagine living my life without my family by my side. Family is very important and valuable to me and is something that should never be taken for granted. Without my family, a large part of my life and culture would be missing.
Grapes Of Wrath Ma Joad Essay Research
Paper Ma Joad is one of the main characters in John Steinbeck’s novel Grapes of Wrath. Ma is a strong, wife and mother who is the leader of the family. She does anything to keep the family together. In Grapes of Wrath, Steinbeck uses two literary techniques, direct description and portrayal of characters behavior, to create the character, Ma Joad.
Divorce Essay Research Paper FAMILY CONFLICT is
Divorce Essay, Research Paper FAMILY CONFLICT is a struggle resulting from the opposition functioning of mutually exclusive impulses, desires, or tendencies. In other words, it is a big disagreement or situation that a family occurs.
Family Marriage And Gender Roles Essay Research
Paper Family, Marriage, and Gender Roles At the core of American identities and American dreams lies a family. Throughout time, families serve as a connection between the individual and the outside world. The individual?s identity, his or her dreams, in large part depend on the family of origin or a family of choice.
Chinese Family Essay Research Paper The Chinese
Chinese Family Essay, Research Paper The Chinese Family For the last two decades, Chinese families have gone through a lot of changes. Much of the old structure and many of the old values of the traditional family have been replaced with a modern twist.
The Relationship Of The American TV Family
Versus The Real Life Essay, Research Paper The Comparison of the TV family to the everyday real life family can take many avenues to explore, but I’ll try to keep it as basic as possible. First I’ll break down the animated TV family “The Simpsons”, and then I’ll break down a real life middle class family that I know all to well.
American And British Hous Essay Research Paper
Modern American and British houses may appear similar from the outside, just as an American may appear similar to an Englishman. One cannot judge a house by its fa?ade, however, and beneath the surface, two altogether
Shang Dynasty Essay Research Paper Social Classes
Shang Dynasty Essay, Research Paper Social Classes and Daily lives 1.Social Classes a. Nobles 1.The King owned everything.2.The King and the family ruled.3.The King Lead the worriers into battle.b. Commoners1.Rich men had several wives each with a family and servants.2.The head of the family was the oldest most likely the grand father orfather of the house.a.
Топик по иностранному языку english
British and American Families British and American families are small. In fact the populations of both Britain and the USA have stopped growing. The typical family has a father, mother and two children. Grandparents come to visit, but do not usually live with their children.